Hyundai Unveils Killer 2026 Santa Cruz Lease Deal for August originally appeared on Autoblog.
The Santa Cruz is a great pickup truck for most folks
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is just one of three compact pickup trucks available on the market today. More of a lifestyle truck than an outright hauler, the Santa Cruz has sporty looks and drives like a car, but it's also more practical for active individuals and families who want a pickup that's comfortable and manageable in size for daily duties. The Santa Fe is a relatively new model, only a few years into its first generation, but it underwent a facelift for 2025 with a more truck-like front fascia and a revised center stack that features physical controls for audio and climate, making for easier operation while driving. The steering wheel also underwent a restyling, transitioning from a four-spoke setup to a simpler and more attractive three-spoke design. Perhaps most notable in the cabin is a new single-frame display with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster, with higher trims receiving a configurable cluster.
There’s not a ton of competition in this segment, but they’re all vying for the top spot. The Ford Maverick and the Honda Ridgeline compete with the Santa Cruz, but in terms of standard features, sleek styling, and a nimble car-like driving experience, Hyundai's offering rises to the top, with an August lease deal that makes it even more appealing.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz lease deal for August
For August, Hyundai is offering a great lease deal on the Santa Cruz SE at $299 per month for 36 months with $3,999 due at signing, which includes the first $299 monthly payment and $3,700 capitalized cost reduction. There is a $0 security deposit, and the total amount due at signing does not include registration, tax, title, license, processing or documentation fees, insurance, or any emission charge. The annual mileage limit is 10,000 miles, and a $400 disposition fee is due at the end of the lease, except for CO, IN, IA, KS, ME, OK, SC, WI, WV, & WY, where the disposition fee is subject to the limitations of state laws. Not all lessees will qualify, and higher rates may apply for those with lower credit scores or in other areas. Lease offer ends September 2, 2025. Learn more here.
2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz SE feature highlights
The Hyundai Santa Cruz SE is the base model in the lineup, powered by a 191-hp four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional. Higher trims feature the more powerful 281-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which can tow up to 5,000 pounds. EPA estimates are 22 city, 35 highway, and 25 combined with front wheel drive. All-wheel drive drops the efficiency by just one mpg across the board, with 21, 29, and 24 mpg, respectively.
Standard features on the SE include 18-inch alloy wheels, 245/60 R18 all-season tires, projector Bi-LED headlights and DRLs, LED taillights, automatic headlights, high beam assist, an LED cargo bed light, satin black door handles, lockable under-bed storage, sidewall bed storage compartments, multi-function tailgate with remote release, proximity key, remote start, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 4.2-inch driver information display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a proximity key with push button start.
The Santa Cruz SE also comes with a solid set of standard safety features that includes blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, parking distance warning, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, safe exit assist, and lane following assist. The Korean pickup also earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2025.
The Santa Cruz’s total passenger volume is 101.8 cubic feet. Front row occupants enjoy 41.4 inches of legroom, while the second row offers 36.5 inches of legroom. There’s a 4-foot truck bed that’s geared more towards outdoor activities and small hauls rather than larger loads, but smart storage compartments in the bed help increase its utility. The Santa Cruz SE can tow up to 3,500 pounds with its base engine and front-wheel drive.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a remarkably adept lifestyle pickup truck that has solid utility and excellent driving manners. It’s also one of the best-looking pickups in the industry, made even better with its facelift that brings some rugged attitude to the mix. If you want a good amount of hauling capability, easy road manners, great in-car tech, and an easy-to-park footprint, then the Santa Cruz is a compelling choice. The low monthly lease payment makes it more accessible, and there is a $0 security deposit. Before signing the lease agreement, understand the costs due at signing, including taxes and registration fees, potential dealer costs, etc.
*Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
Hyundai Unveils Killer 2026 Santa Cruz Lease Deal for August first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 4, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Comments